[citation needed] After his graduation Hillyer joined the New Orleans Times-Picayune as a correspondent before a term as research/issues director for the Louisiana gubernatorial campaign of U.S. Representative Bob Livingston in 1987.
[3] Hillyer’s articles have appeared in many publications, including the Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, National Review, the New Republic, The Guardian (UK), and Investor’s Business Daily.
[citation needed] On May 23, 2013, six-term Republican U.S. Representative Jo Bonner announced he would resign from Congress effective August 15, 2013 to become a vice chancellor at the University of Alabama.
[5] Hillyer made his announcement to seek the Republican nomination for Bonner's seat one day later, telling his audience at the American Spectator: "I am a constitutional conservative—and an 'opportunity society' conservative as well, hearkening back to the Reagan-Kemp era of prosperity and liberty.
"[6] Hillyer received outside support from Rick Santorum, who recorded a radio ad purchased by Citizens United Political Victory Fund.